The Role of Cyber Defence to Protect and Sustain EU Economy

Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti took part in the seminar on cyber defence, one of the activities organised by the Ministry of Defence within the framework of the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The seminar – that took place at Cecchignola Military Citadel in Rome- focused on the theme of Cyber Defence. It was also an opportunity to discuss future challenges and opportunities in the sectors of industrial development and cyber security to protect and support EU economy.

The meeting was attended by Minister Pinotti, her Estonian counterpart, Sven Mikser, Latvian Undersecretary of State for Defence, Janis Sarts, and Italy’s Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli.

Representatives of the institutions and industry engaged in the field of cyber security were also present.

In her speech, Minister Pinotti highlighted how “in cyberspace, threats challenge the stability, prosperity and security of all our nations, and cyber-attacks can be launched by states, terror groups, criminal organisations or individuals who aim at destroying or damaging information systems and data.”

“We must counter these threats by adopting a multidimensional approach, based on cooperation between all national and international actors, industry, the military and intelligence sectors, law makers and academia.”

The seminar focused on four main themes:

cyber defence policy within the framework of the CSDP, including the new global commons;